City of DeRidder honors two of its employees for their hard work

Fire Chief Kenneth Harlow spoke first. He named firefighter and operator Derek Plummer as the firefighter of the year.

“He has been inspirational on his shift. He has been a key component of his shift, and really worked hard to join in with the rest of the crew and become a really good member of the department,” Harlow said.

Plummer is also active with his church as the praise and worship leader, Harlow said.

Harlow also gave the city an update on the work the fire department does. In addition to the regular work details and daily duties performed by firefighters. The department also handled 230 hours of public service and fire prevention classes a year. It also conducted a safety camp that reached 110 children in 2016.

For the holiday season, the fire department helped 240 children as part of its Toys for Tots campaign, partnering with the city and the U.S. Marine Corps. The department also spent 28 hours serving hot cocoa during the Christmas lights display, giving out 1,550 cup of cocoa, Harlow said.

The fire department also provided and installed 13 smoke detectors for free. Harlow said he was disappointed because that number was low. But he promised that for 2017, he would increase that number.

“If any of your constituents need a smoke detector, or their smoke detector is over seven to 10 years old, please come give us a call,” he said. “We will come out free of charge, come out and install the smoke detector and do a home safety check.”